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So, even though my ancient (2010) Stumpjumper FSR doesn't see much action these days, I'm thinking of upgrading the 3x9 drivetrain to an SLX 1x11 drivetrain. I'm probably gonna get the SLX upgrade kit with the 11-46 cassette & then get a 34T oval chainring to stick on the XT triple crank that is currently on it.
It's currently got Avid Elixir somethings which amazingly (given they're Avid) still work well, but the lever flops away from the bar which can obviously be a bit dangerous.I tend to end up riding with one finger holding them in place all the time (shit, I know). I tried new lever bushes but that didn't help.
I might replace the brakes at the same time...the sensible choice would be SLX as that's what I've got on my Inbred & they've been great so far.
So - the whole point of this post. What the hell is the deal with Shimano clamps...?
The options for the SLX shifter seem to be: clamp, i-spec B or i-spec II.
But then looking at the SLX brakes they only seem to be clamp (looking on the same website as the upgrade kit).
Tempted to just go for clamps as I know what the deal is, but am I missing something by not going for the combined clamp option, apart from them just being a bit tidier...?
If I upgraded more often, perhaps I'd be able to keep up with this stuff.
I've got SLX M675 brakes. M7000 ispec-b 11 speed shifter. Previously had a 10 speed bar mount shifter. Preferred the bar mount. With ispec-b it is not possible to rotate the shifter separately to the brake lever.
I think ispec ii fixes that.
Not an option on the SLx m675 unfortunately. It's about £15 to add the bar mount to the m7000 in place of the ispec-b. Ispec-b also has no gear indicator which I prefer, and adding the bar mount keeps it indicator free.
If you get SLX M7000 brakes then you need an iSpec II shifter if you want it connected to the brake lever clamp.
Cheers for the replies.
So, if I decide I want to join my brakes & shifters, iSpec II shifter with the SLX M7000 brakes will allow me to do that. Does the clamp on the brakes disassemble to allow it to fit to the shifter?
Apart from a slightly tidier handlebar, are there any other advantages? Presumably, there is some wiggle room on how the brake lever/shifter sit relative to each other?
I'm almost tempted to go for non-Shimano brakes just so i don't have to decide on what is the best option 🙂
The Magura Trail Sport look pretty good & come with a 4-pot front & 2-pot rear, although that will mean needed 3 different sets of pads across 2 bikes which seems a bit stupid.
There is a shim inside the lever clamp which you remove to make way for the iSpec II shifter.
Shimano change the i-spec clamp every few hours... (OK might be a year).
Just buy bar mount or it won't fit whatever their next i-spec is anmd you can run any brake you want.
Apart from a slightly tidier handlebar, are there any other advantages? Presumably, there is some wiggle room on how the brake lever/shifter sit relative to each other?
You can fit bar clamp either side of the brakes and any angle it isn't physically stopped by the brake. The main advantage is for shimano selling new shifters when you change brakes. As someone with a decade old frame and 3x I doubt you want to be forced into upgrades you don't want.
stevextc
Member
Shimano change the i-spec clamp every few hours… (OK might be a year).
Just buy bar mount or it won’t fit whatever their next i-spec is anmd you can run any brake you want.As someone with a decade old frame and 3x I doubt you want to be forced into upgrades you don’t want.
Thanks! When you put it like that, it makes perfect sense. Clamp it is.
Weird, innit? I still think of it as 'the new bike'....
I gave my 'new' mtb shoes a wash the other day as I'd ridden through 3 fords on one ride & they were gonna kick up if I didn't clean them. I realised that I bought them in 2011 so they're not actually that 'new' anymore.... 🙂